Fortnite’s Galactic Battle mini-season brings lightsabers, force powers, and Star Wars characters into the spotlight. Among the most sought-after weapons is Darth Vader’s lightsaber. Securing it isn’t just about finding loot—it requires a strategic approach and precise timing within a match.

Defeating Darth Vader for the Red Lightsaber (How to Unlock Darth Vader’s Lightsaber)

To unlock Darth Vader’s lightsaber, players must locate and defeat him at Vader Samurai Solitude. He is one of three NPCs currently active on the map, the others being Rey and Emperor Palpatine. Unlike Rey and Palpatine—whose portals spawn randomly and become visible only after the second storm circle—Vader’s location is fixed.

Once defeated, Vader opens a portal that grants a red lightsaber and the ability to use Force Throw. This version of the lightsaber includes Jedi training perks like improved mobility and access to Force powers, unlike sabers looted from eliminated enemies, which lack these enhancements.

Understanding Jedi Training and Force Powers

Jedi training is essential for maximizing the lightsaber’s potential. Interacting with an NPC activates a portal sequence, during which players are temporarily invincible. After exiting, players receive a lightsaber along with enhanced sprinting, flip jumps that negate fall damage, and one of three Force abilities: Force Throw, Force Push, or Force Lightning.

  • Force Push can break structures and push enemies into the storm without causing fall damage.

  • Force Lightning disables vehicles and deals damage over time—ideal for catching enemies on the run.

  • Force Throw, specific to Vader’s portal, launches the saber like a ranged attack.

Force abilities cannot be gained by simply picking up a lightsaber off the ground—training is required.

Navigating Ship Combat and Vehicles

Star Wars ships—TIE Fighters and X-Wings—are available this season. Despite having only 1,000 HP, they regenerate after being disabled, making them resilient if not fully destroyed. They each have three recharges, and status can be tracked during flight. Notably, these ships can shoot through shield bubbles, making traditional protection methods ineffective.

Surprisingly, these ships can also be used to fish by shooting at fishing holes, yielding floppers, small fry, or shield fish. In squad modes, this can be a reliable way to stock up on healing items.

Healing and Loot Strategies

Healing is noticeably harder to come by this season. However, there are several reliable ways to restore health:

  • Stormtrooper and Clone Trooper outposts contain slurp barrels and drop blue-tier weapons.

  • Radio tower guards, spawning in second zone, drop chug jugs upon defeat.

  • Llama hiding spots, similar to dumpsters, heal white health at 2 HP per tick.

  • Hidden loot rooms, such as one opened by hotwiring an AT-AT cannon near Brutal Boxcars or the rock-covered cave near Canyon Crossing, offer additional loot and healing opportunities.

Additionally, reboot vans still allow teammates to purchase loadout upgrades with gold, carrying over the feature from last season.

Weapon Meta and Blaster Mechanics

This season’s loadout pool consists mostly of blaster-type weapons. Most are hitscan, providing instant damage without bullet travel time. The exception is the new sniper DMR (IQA), which requires leading shots and accounting for bullet drop. Despite Fortnite claiming the DC-15 is projectile-based, player testing suggests it’s actually hitscan.

The lightsaber melee mechanics are less dominant compared to previous melee weapons like the bat or typhoon blade. Players relying on saber strikes alone may struggle in close combat situations.

Final Tips to Improve Your Season

  1. Prioritize Jedi Training – Always choose to earn a lightsaber via training portals rather than looting. The additional mobility and Force powers provide a clear advantage.

  2. Avoid Shield Bubbles Against Ships – Instead, rely on mobility tools or vehicles to escape air attacks.

  3. Use Ships Strategically – Don’t underestimate their healing capabilities via fishing or their multi-life system.

  4. Target Outposts and Radio Towers – These offer consistent heals and reliable loot, crucial for surviving endgame scenarios.

  5. Explore Hidden Loot Rooms – Late-game rotation near these areas can secure an edge over unprepared opponents.

The Galactic Battle season rewards mobility, map knowledge, and timing more than raw aim. Mastering NPC interactions, managing ship combat, and locating efficient healing spots will ensure better performance in each match.